1981. I was Jim Whiting, broadcasting on WFLR, a 5000 watt station in upstate New York. A contest had been held to give my 6 to 9 a.m. program a title. The Early Worm--not an entirely complimentary, but certainly appropriate title--won out. My duties included reading the news torn from our AP teletype machine, reporting school closings (snow, or an occasional stray cow which might be causing traffic problems on Route 14) and once in a while, spinning a 45 rpm record or two.
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It was fortuitous one morning that I noticed a new release from Solid Brass Records; Tiny Tim, the ukulele plunking falsetto voiced singer whose Tiptoe Through The Tulips best selling record of several years ago is the artist featured. Is he attempting a comeback? In any case, Tell Me That You Love Me is a bouncy little tune and hey, I always got a kick out of Tiny's (or should I say, Tim's?) slightly weird approach to music. & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &
What intrigued me more was the flip side of this 45 rpm record: Comic Strip Man. The lyric had Tiny Tim fantasizing about leaping over tall buildings and rescuing fair damsels. I immediately began to fantasize! “It's a perfect theme song for the Third Annual Fantasy Day in Watkins Glen!" Fantasy Day allows anyone to be, for one day: a fireman, policeman, restaurant owner, radio announcer, doctor, lawyer, cab driver. It would take another blog to tell how Fantasy Day came about. But for now, let's look at how Tiny Tim accepted my invitation to join us on a magical day for all!
It was surprisingly simple getting to talk with someone at Solid Brass Records. Words to Comic Strip Man were written by Henry Scarpelli, an old friend of mine; Henry ran interference for me and surprisingly simple again---“Tiny Tim will arrive by car the morning of May 19 . . . to participate in Watkins Glen's Fantasy Day.” That was the wonderful message I received within hours. My home town was in for a charming disarming fabulous Fantasy Day!
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Once he's arrived in our town, Tiny's transportation includes an ambulance, a firetruck and a limousine.
Fantasies flourish, as Nixon gets arrested, Bobo gets interviewed and Tiny gets his tulips.
============================================== A Watkins Glen fire truck arrives.
Wonder Woman alights --
Tiny belts one out for the crowd--and WW.
A surprise birthday cake is wheeled out for me; out pops my best friend, Bernita.
Tiny joins the Senior Citizens' Parade down Franklin Street.
Tiny meets the school bus, signs autographs and entertains at the high school gym where more than a hundred students donate blood.
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| Yet another autograph * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The limo takes Tiny Tim to Clute Park Community Center where the Evening Show takes place with added local talent. |
It was worth the sixteen and a half million dollars I paid Tiny Tim for him to share his time and talent to make this edition of Fantasy Day one of the best.
You can see that I'm happy.
$ $ $ $ $
Thanks to Lauren Lodge for most of the photos you see here.
We'll get back to VINCENT, Li'l Ones, Wee Women and maybe Bella next time.
Thanks for hanging in with us. Spread the word.
Jim
